Sarah Guyard-Guillot, 31, died in June after falling 28 metres during an aerial routine after her safety wire became detached. A four-month investigation into the incident by the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration concluded that Guyard-Guillot's death was partly due to inadequate training. The report also cited Cirque du Soleil on five other counts of safety violations, including a circus-fall protection programme that did not meet Nevada standards.

Guyard-Guillot joined the production in 2006 with 15 years of aerial experience behind her. Cirque du Soleil said that the Paris-born acrobat and aerialist was the first fatality during a performance in the company's 29-year history. In 2009 a performer died after falling off a trampoline during training in Montreal.

Cirque du Soleil was issued a fine in excess of $25,000 (£15,600). MGM Grand was also fined $7,000 for exposing its employees to workplace hazards, including on-stage open-sided floors and pyrotechnic dust. Both companies said they plan to appeal against the rulings.

The accident happened in the final scene of Kà. The report found that Guyard-Guillot ascended too quickly, which caused her safety wire to scrape against suspension equipment and detach from its pulley. The speed of her ascent was the result of insufficient training on equipment.

Cirque du Soleil spokesperson Renée-Claude Ménard said that the company "completed an exhaustive review of its safety policies and procedures in the wake of the tragic accident involving Sarah". She added: "We have redoubled our efforts to ensure the overall diligence and safety of our performers and crew."